Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Bakersfield is 16% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,371/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 8%
$77,397/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 14%
$347,300 ↑ 38%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 27%
$1,540/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 2%
408,366
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $111/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $1,332/year.

Median household income is $10,919/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Elgin slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Elgin — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Elgin?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $111/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Elgin?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $10,919/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between California and Illinois?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Bakersfield and Elgin

Bakersfield vs. Tulsa Bakersfield vs. Wichita Bakersfield vs. Minneapolis Bakersfield vs. Arlington Bakersfield vs. Oakland Bakersfield vs. Tampa Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont